Comedian and Internet celebrity Ramon Bautista will take over the reins of Top Gear Philippines beginning April 15. Bautista, who actually did a comics-style column for the magazine in 2012, is replacing outgoing EIC Vernon B. Sarne, who has accepted an administrative post at the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Sarne, who became the magazine's editor in February 2006, personally picked and recommended Bautista to the management of Summit Media, the publisher of Top Gear magazine in the Philippines.

"After almost 19 years of covering the automotive industry and writing about cars, I guess it's time to try something new," Sarne shares. "I've always written about the wrong things that ail Philippine motoring. Maybe here's my chance to make a small difference as a key official of the DOTC."

Not too many people know it, but Bautista is actually a hardcore car enthusiast, regularly attending track-day meets and joining drag-race events. Even fewer people know he can write. He has, in fact, taught Film at the University of the Philippines' College of Mass Communication for years.

"If you think about it, one of the greatest strengths of the Top Gear brand is entertainment," Sarne adds. "And when it comes to entertainment or making people laugh, Ramon is second to none. His brand of humor is intelligent, not the tacky kind we've always associated with noontime TV shows."

This means Bautista will have to do less viral-video stuff, although TopGear.com.ph presents him with an excellent opportunity to produce car-related videos.

"I have long been a Top Gear fan," Bautista admits. "This is basically new territory for me, but the challenge put in front of me by the Summit Media bosses is too good to refuse. I thank Vernon for the vote of confidence and wish him well in his new endeavor. I just hope that my followers will still support me. I also hope they won't believe any of this crap because it's the first day of April today."

Hello
Good Day
I'm an avid fan of Top Gear ever since and thanks to you guys I always get updated on what's the latest trends about automotive and etc.
I got a problem and I thought you could help me on this one. I did some research but I just wanted to hear it from the best. The ABS warning light is always turned on even while driving. The question/s 1.) Is that normal? 2.) Would other components be affected if ABS warning light were on even while driving? 3.) Does it cost much?
I'

grayt168:

Hi Top Gear, I'm looking to buy a Crossover or SUV. My budget is around 1M. Criteria is durability, low maintenance and fuel efficiency. Kindly suggest options. Should I just wait for Honda W-RV?

Springman:

Hi Top Gear. I'm looking for a hatchback car for my college kid. My budget is 600k. I'm thinking of getting Mitsubishi Mirage but if you can recommend a better one then I would really appreciate it. I don't really know much about cars, that's why I went here. Thanks!

markdeguz:

sir help looking for daily driver compact mini SUV comfortable sitting for 4 person 200-300km daily comute occasional rough roads and expressway city drive in terms of cost of owning maintenance, fuel eco, durability, long term use. first choice nissan kicks because of reputation on AC and resale value also living on middle east, second choice suzuki vitara third hyundai creta? please enlighten me sir salamat.

katrina3392:

Hello Top Gear:
I am an owner of a new Hyundai Tucson. Today this morning I read in the yahoo news about Hyundai car recall. Any news about it which is posted in this link https://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/south-korea-orders-vehicle-recalls-hyundai-kia-whistleblower-025450436--finance.html

Jetdanga:

Dear topgearPH,
I would like to ask, IF I can use 4.1 hope speakers in a car?
I am planning to use my 4.1 home speaker since hnd ko na nagagamit sa room ko.
Gusto kong ilagay sa old mazda b2200.
Hoping for your response.

Good day! I have a question for choosing between. gasoline cars vs diesel cars. which is more fuel efficient and low maintenance cost? Which brand and model will you prefer for each category. I intend to buy car for long term use and daily drive to work. Thanks in advance.